:''These final, certified, results are from the [http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2012-general/sov-complete.pdf California Secretary of State].''

==Impact==

==Impact==

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[[Jerry Brown]] signed [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] on October 7, 2011. [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] mandates that elections on ballot propositions can take place only in the state's November general elections. This changes a 50-year tradition in the state, begun in [[California 1960 ballot propositions|1960]], of voting on ballot propositions on the June primary ballot as well as the November general election ballot.<ref>[http://www.kcra.com/r/29441974/detail.html ''KCRA'', "At 100, California Direct Democracy Gets Facelift", October 10, 2011]</ref>

+

[[Jerry Brown]] signed [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] on October 7, 2011. [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] mandates that elections on ballot propositions can take place only in the state's November general elections. This changed a 50-year tradition in the state, begun in [[California 1960 ballot propositions|1960]], of voting on ballot propositions on the June primary ballot as well as the November general election ballot.<ref>[http://www.kcra.com/r/29441974/detail.html ''KCRA'', "At 100, California Direct Democracy Gets Facelift", October 10, 2011]</ref>

−

Several pundits speculated that Brown and the Democratic members of the [[California State Legislature]] who sponsored SB 202 were moved to action by the Paycheck Protection Initiative, and the possibility that it would gain a spot on the June 5, 2012 primary ballot in the state.

+

Several pundits speculated that Brown and the Democratic members of the [[California State Legislature]] who sponsored SB 202 were moved to action by Propositon 32. If [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] had not been approved, the election on Proposition 32 would have taken place on the {{jun05ca2012}}.

* According to Bill Whalen, "...before Brown’s intervention, one such conservative idea – a big one – was headed for a showdown in June 2012: weakening Big Labor’s clout by preventing unions from collecting dues for political purposes without a worker’s annual consent. [Under SB 202], that gets moved to November."<ref>[http://ricochet.com/main-feed/California-s-Initiative-Process-Turns-100 ''Ricochet'', "California's Initiative Process Turns 100", October 10, 2011]</ref>

* According to Bill Whalen, "...before Brown’s intervention, one such conservative idea – a big one – was headed for a showdown in June 2012: weakening Big Labor’s clout by preventing unions from collecting dues for political purposes without a worker’s annual consent. [Under SB 202], that gets moved to November."<ref>[http://ricochet.com/main-feed/California-s-Initiative-Process-Turns-100 ''Ricochet'', "California's Initiative Process Turns 100", October 10, 2011]</ref>

−

* Dan Walters, a leading political journalist in the state, said, "Everyone knows that passing [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] was to diminish chances that voters would pass a so-called "paycheck protection" measure that would eat into unions' ability to gather campaign funds from public employees – money that almost always goes to Democrats."<ref name=dan>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/30/4224246/dan-walters-california-politicans.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "California politicans use power to fix the ballot game", January 30, 2012]</ref>

+

* Dan Walters, a leading political journalist in the state, said, "Everyone knows that passing [[California Senate Bill 202 (2011)|SB 202]] was to diminish chances that voters would pass a so-called "paycheck protection" measure that would eat into unions' ability to gather campaign funds from public employees – money that almost always goes to Democrats."<ref name=dan>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/30/4224246/dan-walters-california-politicians.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "California politicians use power to fix the ballot game", January 30, 2012]</ref>

−

Thad Kousser, a political-science professor at UC San Diego, says that the Paycheck Protection Initiative could have a strong impact on the public sector (government employee) unions in the state: "Defeating this has got to be the top goal of labor. If they don't, they could become almost extinct in California politics."<ref name=thad>[http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19848968 ''Mercury News'', "High-stakes labor battle coming to California", January 30, 2012]</ref>

+

Thad Kousser, a political-science professor at UC San Diego, said that Proposition 32 could have had a strong impact on the public sector (government employee) unions in the state: "Defeating this has got to be the top goal of labor. If they don't, they could become almost extinct in California politics."<ref name=thad>[http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19848968 ''Mercury News'', "High-stakes labor battle coming to California", January 30, 2012]</ref>

==Text of measure==

==Text of measure==

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===Supporters===

===Supporters===

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* The main campaign supporting the measure is [http://www.YesProp32.com/ YES on 32], Stop Special Interest Money Now!

+

* The main campaign supporting the measure was [http://www.YesProp32.com/ YES on 32], Stop Special Interest Money Now!

The arguments in favor of Proposition 32 in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] were submitted by:

The arguments in favor of Proposition 32 in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] were submitted by:

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* The Hon. John Arguelles. Arguelles is a retired justice of the [[California Supreme Court]].

* The Hon. John Arguelles. Arguelles is a retired justice of the [[California Supreme Court]].

−

Other supporters include:

+

Other supporters included:

−

* Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz. He says, "This initiative gets to the heart of one of the most corrosive elements in politics: campaign contributions...For too long, special interest money has dominated our politics, muting the voice of average Californians."<ref name=sac/>

+

* Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz. He said, "This initiative gets to the heart of one of the most corrosive elements in politics: campaign contributions...For too long, special interest money has dominated our politics, muting the voice of average Californians."<ref name=sac/>

* [[Charles Munger, Jr.]]<ref name=week/>

* [[Charles Munger, Jr.]]<ref name=week/>

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===Arguments in favor===

===Arguments in favor===

−

The arguments presented in favor of Proposition 32 in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] include:

+

The arguments presented in favor of Proposition 32 in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] included:

* "Politicians take millions in campaign contributions from corporations and government unions and then vote the way those special interests tell them. Politicians end up working for special interests, not voters. The result: massive budget deficits and abuses like lavish pensions and bad teachers we can’t fire."

* "Politicians take millions in campaign contributions from corporations and government unions and then vote the way those special interests tell them. Politicians end up working for special interests, not voters. The result: massive budget deficits and abuses like lavish pensions and bad teachers we can’t fire."

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* "Today, it is legal for politicians to give contracts to political donors, shutting out small businesses in the process. Prop. 32 will end this special treatment and the waste it causes, like a $95 million state computer system that didn’t work."

* "Today, it is legal for politicians to give contracts to political donors, shutting out small businesses in the process. Prop. 32 will end this special treatment and the waste it causes, like a $95 million state computer system that didn’t work."

−

Other arguments in favor of Proposition 32 include:

+

Other arguments in favor of Proposition 32 included:

* According to Jake Suski, a spokesperson for the "yes" campaign, "This initiative is exclusively about the stranglehold that special interests have had over California's political system and whether voters are ready to demand reform. Voters are demanding reform and change. They're willing to do something, to say no to special interests."<ref name=afterwi/>

* According to Jake Suski, a spokesperson for the "yes" campaign, "This initiative is exclusively about the stranglehold that special interests have had over California's political system and whether voters are ready to demand reform. Voters are demanding reform and change. They're willing to do something, to say no to special interests."<ref name=afterwi/>

As of October 1, 2012, the "yes" campaign has raised about $9 million.<ref name=donors/><ref name=junedonations/>

+

As of November 3, 2012, the "yes" campaign had raised about $60.5 million. That amount included well over $40 million in contributions to a joint campaign committee (the [[Small Business Action Committee]]) that is simultaneously [[California Proposition 30, Sales and Income Tax Increase (2012)#Opposition|opposing Proposition 30]] and supporting Proposition 32.<ref name=donors/><ref name=junedonations/>

−

These are the $50,000 and over donors to the "yes" campaign '''as of October 1, 2012''':

+

The donors listed in the chart below are the $100,000 and over donors to the "Yes on 32" campaign '''as of Saturday, November 3, 2012'''. Note that some of these donors gave their money to a committee that was simultaneously supporting or opposing more than one of the ballot propositions on the {{nov06ca2012}}. When that is the case, it is not generally possible to break down how much of that donor's money specifically was spent on the campaign for a particular proposition. Those contributions are listed below with <SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #B2EC5D">shading</SPAN>; readers should not assume that all or even most of a donation to a multi-purpose committee was used for expenditures related to this particular proposition.

* The main campaign against the measure is [http://www.stopspecialexemptions.org/ No on 32], Stop the Special Exemptions Act.

+

* The main campaign against the measure was [http://www.stopspecialexemptions.org/ No on 32], Stop the Special Exemptions Act.

The arguments against Proposition 32 in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] were submitted by:

The arguments against Proposition 32 in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] were submitted by:

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* Robbie Hunter. Hunter is the executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.

* Robbie Hunter. Hunter is the executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.

−

Other opponents include:

+

Other opponents included:

* The California Labor Federation<ref name=week/>

* The California Labor Federation<ref name=week/>

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===Arguments against===

===Arguments against===

−

The arguments in opposition to Proposition 32 presented in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] include:

+

The arguments in opposition to Proposition 32 presented in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]] included:

* "Proposition 32 is not what it seems. Prop. 32 promises 'political reform' but is really designed by special interests to help themselves and harm their opponents."

* "Proposition 32 is not what it seems. Prop. 32 promises 'political reform' but is really designed by special interests to help themselves and harm their opponents."

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* "Some say 'this is unbalanced but it’s a step forward.' Here’s the problem with that. Restricting unions and their workers while not stopping corporate special interests will result in a political system that favors corporate special interests over everyone else."

* "Some say 'this is unbalanced but it’s a step forward.' Here’s the problem with that. Restricting unions and their workers while not stopping corporate special interests will result in a political system that favors corporate special interests over everyone else."

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Other arguments against Proposition 32 include:

+

Other arguments against Proposition 32 included:

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* Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, says, "It's not enough for them to have taken our houses and it's not enough for them to make millions off the TARP funding and federal government support for the banks, now they want even more. They want us to not even have a voice in politics whatsoever."<ref name=week/>

+

* Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, said, "It's not enough for them to have taken our houses and it's not enough for them to make millions off the TARP funding and federal government support for the banks, now they want even more. They want us to not even have a voice in politics whatsoever."<ref name=week/>

* Ron Lind, the president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, says, "The measure is a wolf in sheep's clothing designed to fool voters into approving a corporate power grab that will lead to even more corporate influence over our political system. What the backers won't say publicly is that they've written a giant loophole to allow for unlimited corporate spending on campaigns while furthering their real agenda of silencing the voices of middle-class workers and their unions."<ref>[http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_20090322 ''Mercury News'', "Ron Lind: Special interest ballot measure really is just anti-union", March 2, 2012]</ref>

+

* Ron Lind, the president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, said, "The measure is a wolf in sheep's clothing designed to fool voters into approving a corporate power grab that will lead to even more corporate influence over our political system. What the backers won't say publicly is that they've written a giant loophole to allow for unlimited corporate spending on campaigns while furthering their real agenda of silencing the voices of middle-class workers and their unions."<ref>[http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_20090322 ''Mercury News'', "Ron Lind: Special interest ballot measure really is just anti-union", March 2, 2012]</ref>

* State representative [[Judy Chu]] says, "This is the most dangerous proposition of all time. It will silence the union members and their voices."<ref name=rally/>

+

* State representative [[Judy Chu]] said, "This is the most dangerous proposition of all time. It will silence the union members and their voices."<ref name=rally/>

−

* Trudy Schafer of the [[League of Women Voters|California League of Women Voters]] says, "It promises political reform but it's really designed by its special interest backers to help themselves and harm their opponents."<ref name=opp/>

+

* Trudy Schafer of the [[League of Women Voters|California League of Women Voters]] said, "It promises political reform but it's really designed by its special interest backers to help themselves and harm their opponents."<ref name=opp/>

It was predicted early on that the state's public sector (government employee) unions would provide up to $28 million to the campaign to defeat Proposition 32. By late September, however, the level of giving to the "no" campaign soared past that early estimate.<ref name=thad/><ref name=donors>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/05/california-union-coalition-puts-500000-into-campaign-to-defeat-paycheck-ballot-measure.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Unions give $500,000 to oppose 'paycheck' ballot measure", May 22, 2012]</ref>,<ref name=junedonations>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/07/paycheck-protection-ballot-measure-receives-500000-contribution-from-silicon-firefighters-campaign-finance.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Firefighters group gives $1 million to fight campaign finance measure", July 6, 2012]</ref> The ''[[Sacramento Bee]]'' reports, "Now, on the heels of [[Scott Walker recall, Wisconsin (2012)|an election that saw unions handed a major defeat last week in Wisconsin]], the opposing camps in California soon will launch a campaign battle likely to consume $50 million or more in political spending."<ref name=afterwi>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/09/4550382/unions-will-start-spending-millions.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Unions will start spending millions to tout message about Calif. campaign donation ballot measure", June 9, 2012]</ref>

+

It was predicted early on that the state's public sector (government employee) unions would provide up to $28 million to the campaign to defeat Proposition 32. By late September, however, the level of giving to the "no" campaign soared past that early estimate.<ref name=thad/><ref name=donors>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/05/california-union-coalition-puts-500000-into-campaign-to-defeat-paycheck-ballot-measure.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Unions give $500,000 to oppose 'paycheck' ballot measure", May 22, 2012]</ref>,<ref name=junedonations>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/07/paycheck-protection-ballot-measure-receives-500000-contribution-from-silicon-firefighters-campaign-finance.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Firefighters group gives $1 million to fight campaign finance measure", July 6, 2012]</ref> The ''[[Sacramento Bee]]'' reported, "Now, on the heels of [[Scott Walker recall, Wisconsin (2012)|an election that saw unions handed a major defeat last week in Wisconsin]], the opposing camps in California soon will launch a campaign battle likely to consume $50 million or more in political spending."<ref name=afterwi>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/09/4550382/unions-will-start-spending-millions.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Unions will start spending millions to tout message about Calif. campaign donation ballot measure", June 9, 2012]</ref>

−

According to [[Dan Morain]], the state's public employee unions may find themselves torn between funding the campaign to defeat the Paycheck Protection Initiative and funding the campaign to pass the [[California Proposition 30, Sales and Income Tax Increase (2012)|Proposition 30 (the Jerry Brown/"Millionaire's Tax" initiative)]]. Morain says, "To help fund the campaign, Brown needs the help of organized labor. But unions will be busy trying to kill a separate initiative promoted by conservatives that would strip them of their ability to raise and spend money on campaigns."<ref>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/10/4549083/the-heat-is-on-jerry-brown-and.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Dan Morain: The heat is on Jerry Brown and the Democrats", June 10, 2012]</ref>

+

This is a list of the $100,000 and over donors to the "no" campaign as of '''Saturday, November 3, 2012:'''<ref>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/08/unions-kick-in-another-11-million-to-defeat-california-proposition-32.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Unions Kick in another $1.1 million to defeat Proposition 32", August 10, 2012]</ref>

−

+

−

This is a list of the $100,000 and over donors to the "no" campaign as of '''October 1, 2012:'''<ref>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/08/unions-kick-in-another-11-million-to-defeat-california-proposition-32.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Unions Kick in another $1.1 million to defeat Proposition 32", August 10, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Appeal-Democrat:''''' "Proposition 32 on the Nov. 6 ballot would reduce the unions' indirectly tax-fueled influence by prohibiting union contributions to state and local candidates."<ref>[http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/union-119960-public-california.html ''Appeal-Democrat'', "Our View: Yes on Prop. 32 – union dues", October 6, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Bakersfield Californian:''''' "Prop. 32 won't fix everything in Sacramento. But the measure does ensure that unions, one of the most powerful groups in the Capitol, are deriving their funds in a fair way from informed members."<ref>[http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/opinion/our-view/x1903886163/Yes-on-32-Check-undue-union-influence ''Bakersfield Californian'', "Yes on 32: Check undue union influence", October 6, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Bakersfield Californian:''''' "Prop. 32 won't fix everything in Sacramento. But the measure does ensure that unions, one of the most powerful groups in the Capitol, are deriving their funds in a fair way from informed members."<ref>[http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/opinion/our-view/x1903886163/Yes-on-32-Check-undue-union-influence ''Bakersfield Californian'', "Yes on 32: Check undue union influence", October 6, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Los Angeles Daily News:''''' "Unions will still have the power of numbers. Their members will continue to be able to mobilize in support of candidates and political stands, and to donate money on their own, but it would be their decision."<ref>[http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_21734326/endorsement-yes-proposition-32-unions-have-inordinate-amount ''Los Angeles Daily News'', "Yes on Proposition 32 -- Unions have inordinate amount of power in state politics", October 9, 2012]</ref>

+

+

* The '''''North County Times:''''' "Proposition 32 corrects that imbalance while doing nothing to stifle unions' political voices -- despite claims to the contrary. Prop. 32 simply institutes an opt-in system for each employee's political donations."<ref>[http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-yes-on/article_a9d46ca6-354a-5409-b5f6-f9127faff6c2.html ''North County Times'', "Yes on 32", September 19, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[Orange County Register]]'': "Anyone familiar with California politics knows that the most powerful forces, by far, in the state Capitol are the public-employee unions. Their clout was demonstrated this year when the California Teachers Association, the most powerful of them all, killed Senate Bill 1530, which would have made it easier to fire bad teachers for actions 'that involve certain sex offenses, controlled-substance offenses or child abuse offenses.' SB1530 was not concocted by a conservative Republican, but by state Sen. Alex Padilla of Los Angeles, a liberal Democrat. The bill advanced after several cases of teacher abuse against children came to light, especially a disgusting scenario allegedly involving Los Angeles Unified School District teacher Mark Berndt. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the state Senate, 33-4. Then the CTA killed it in the Assembly Education Committee."<ref>[http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/union-373543-unions-prop.html ''Orange County Register'', "Editorial: Yes on Prop. 32 (unions)", October 3, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[Orange County Register]]'': "Anyone familiar with California politics knows that the most powerful forces, by far, in the state Capitol are the public-employee unions. Their clout was demonstrated this year when the California Teachers Association, the most powerful of them all, killed Senate Bill 1530, which would have made it easier to fire bad teachers for actions 'that involve certain sex offenses, controlled-substance offenses or child abuse offenses.' SB1530 was not concocted by a conservative Republican, but by state Sen. Alex Padilla of Los Angeles, a liberal Democrat. The bill advanced after several cases of teacher abuse against children came to light, especially a disgusting scenario allegedly involving Los Angeles Unified School District teacher Mark Berndt. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the state Senate, 33-4. Then the CTA killed it in the Assembly Education Committee."<ref>[http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/union-373543-unions-prop.html ''Orange County Register'', "Editorial: Yes on Prop. 32 (unions)", October 3, 2012]</ref>

+

+

* The '''''Press-Enterprise:''''' "The meat of Prop. 32 is a ban on the use of payroll deductions to finance political spending. That provision targets one of the largest special interests in California politics: public employee unions. Automatic deductions from paychecks are the primary way unions fund political campaigns — and ending that financing mechanism would ease unions’ stranglehold on political decisions."<ref>[http://www.pe.com/opinion/editorials-headlines/20121010-election-yes-on-32.ece ''Press-Enterprise'', "Yes on 32", October 10, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Redding Record Searchlight:''''' "Nothing in Proposition 32 would stop unions from holding fundraisers, from asking members to write a check to support a good cause or candidate — from raising money just like any other political advocate. It would, however, slow the river of money that has drowned independent thinkers in Sacramento."<ref>[http://www.redding.com/news/2012/sep/29/editorial-prop-32-would-restore-balance-to/ ''Redding Record Searchlight'', "Editorial: Prop. 32 would restore balance to Sacramento", September 29, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Redding Record Searchlight:''''' "Nothing in Proposition 32 would stop unions from holding fundraisers, from asking members to write a check to support a good cause or candidate — from raising money just like any other political advocate. It would, however, slow the river of money that has drowned independent thinkers in Sacramento."<ref>[http://www.redding.com/news/2012/sep/29/editorial-prop-32-would-restore-balance-to/ ''Redding Record Searchlight'', "Editorial: Prop. 32 would restore balance to Sacramento", September 29, 2012]</ref>

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* The '''''Contra Costa Times''''': "If Proposition 32 did what supporters claim -- limit all special-interest money from corrupting the political system -- we would race to endorse it. It doesn't. It actually tilts the political playing field in favor of the wealthy and corporations."<ref>[http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_21603645/contra-costa-times-oakland-tribune-summary-our-endorsements ''Contra Costa Times'', "Summary of our endorsements on state propositions", September 22, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Contra Costa Times''''': "If Proposition 32 did what supporters claim -- limit all special-interest money from corrupting the political system -- we would race to endorse it. It doesn't. It actually tilts the political playing field in favor of the wealthy and corporations."<ref>[http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_21603645/contra-costa-times-oakland-tribune-summary-our-endorsements ''Contra Costa Times'', "Summary of our endorsements on state propositions", September 22, 2012]</ref>

+

+

* The '''''Daily Democrat''''' (Woodland, California): "This initiative is a power play to limit campaign influence of labor unions without commensurate checks on political contributions by corporations."<ref>[http://www.dailydemocrat.com/editorial/ci_21770457/democrat-endorsements-propositions ''Daily Democrat'', "Democrat endorsements: Propositions", October 14, 2012]</ref>

+

+

* The '''''Fresno Bee:''''' "Our recommendation to reject Prop. 32 is not a vote of confidence for public employee unions. We have regularly criticized their heavy-handed tactics. They have overreached too often and have too much clout with too many Democrats. Lawmakers should take action to make it easier for employees who disagree with union politics to opt out of making campaign donations."<ref>[http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/10/13/3027106/editorial-prop-32-is-not-the-reform.html ''Fresno Bee'', "EDITORIAL: Prop. 32 is not the reform that California requires", October 15, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Lompoc Record:''''' "In that sense, Prop. 32 is little more than another layer of regulation, riddled with loopholes, and would end up costing taxpayers a significant sum that the state would have to spend to enforce the new election provisions."<ref>[http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/opinion/editorial/slogging-through-the-ballot/article_2cc67176-11cb-11e2-b8fb-0019bb2963f4.html ''Lompoc Record'', "Slogging through the ballot", October 8, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Lompoc Record:''''' "In that sense, Prop. 32 is little more than another layer of regulation, riddled with loopholes, and would end up costing taxpayers a significant sum that the state would have to spend to enforce the new election provisions."<ref>[http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/opinion/editorial/slogging-through-the-ballot/article_2cc67176-11cb-11e2-b8fb-0019bb2963f4.html ''Lompoc Record'', "Slogging through the ballot", October 8, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'': "Proposition 32 is a deceptive measure that would disproportionately weaken some special interests while leaving others essentially unaffected. Those who have seen its list of backers will not be surprised to learn that it would have a devastating effect on labor unions' political fundraising efforts and only a trivial impact on corporate spending."<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/endorsements/la-ed-end-prop32-20121003,0,7326255.story ''Los Angeles Times'', "No on Proposition 32", October 3, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'': "Proposition 32 is a deceptive measure that would disproportionately weaken some special interests while leaving others essentially unaffected. Those who have seen its list of backers will not be surprised to learn that it would have a devastating effect on labor unions' political fundraising efforts and only a trivial impact on corporate spending."<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/endorsements/la-ed-end-prop32-20121003,0,7326255.story ''Los Angeles Times'', "No on Proposition 32", October 3, 2012]</ref>

+

+

* The '''''Marin Independent Journal:''''' "While unions rely on payroll deductions to build their campaign war chests, corporations don't. Proposition 32 tilts the playing field for corporations, who have proven they have little trouble raising and spending money on politics."<ref>[http://www.marinij.com/opinion/ci_21743902/editorial-ij-recommendations-state-propositions-30-35 ''Marin Independent Journal'', "Editorial: IJ recommendations on state Propositions 30-33", October 11, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[Sacramento Bee]]'': "Our recommendation to reject Proposition 32 is not a vote of confidence for public employee unions. They have overreached too often and have too much clout with too many Democrats. Lawmakers should take action to make it easier for employees who disagree with union politics to opt out of making campaign donations. But Proposition 32 would tilt the system in favor of corporations and business trade groups."<ref>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/23/4843939/endorsements-proposition-32-power.html#storylink=misearch "Sacramento Bee", "Endorsements: Proposition 32 power play deserves a 'no' vote", September 23, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[Sacramento Bee]]'': "Our recommendation to reject Proposition 32 is not a vote of confidence for public employee unions. They have overreached too often and have too much clout with too many Democrats. Lawmakers should take action to make it easier for employees who disagree with union politics to opt out of making campaign donations. But Proposition 32 would tilt the system in favor of corporations and business trade groups."<ref>[http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/23/4843939/endorsements-proposition-32-power.html#storylink=misearch "Sacramento Bee", "Endorsements: Proposition 32 power play deserves a 'no' vote", September 23, 2012]</ref>

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* The ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'': "Proposition 32 purports to be an even-handed attempt to reduce the influence of special interests in California. It is anything but balanced ... Organized labor has made defeat of Prop. 32 its highest priority in California because of what is unquestionably its most consequential element: A prohibition on the use of payroll deductions for political purposes."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Editorial-Chronicle-recommends-3923462.php ''San Francisco Chronicle'', "Editorial: Chronicle recommends", October 5, 2012]</ref>

* The ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'': "Proposition 32 purports to be an even-handed attempt to reduce the influence of special interests in California. It is anything but balanced ... Organized labor has made defeat of Prop. 32 its highest priority in California because of what is unquestionably its most consequential element: A prohibition on the use of payroll deductions for political purposes."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Editorial-Chronicle-recommends-3923462.php ''San Francisco Chronicle'', "Editorial: Chronicle recommends", October 5, 2012]</ref>

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* The ''[[San Jose Mercury News]]'': "It actually tilts the political playing field in favor of the wealthy and corporations."<ref>[http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_21603644/summary-our-endorsements-state-propositions ''San Jose Mercury News'', "Summary of our

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* The ''[[San Jose Mercury News]]'': "It actually tilts the political playing field in favor of the wealthy and corporations."<ref>[http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_21603644/summary-our-endorsements-state-propositions ''San Jose Mercury News'', "Summary of our endorsements on state propositions", September 22, 2012]</ref>

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endorsements on state propositions", September 22, 2012]</ref>

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* The '''''Santa Cruz Sentinel:''''' "And while we've editorialized against the influence of unions on lawmakers in this state, and for how their bankrolling liberal Democrats has kept meaningful pension, education, government efficiency and budget reforms stalled, in this case, we reluctantly agree this measure has too many flaws, and urge voters to reject Prop. 32."<ref>[http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/ci_21609421/prop-32-unfair-and-flawed-measure-would-ban ''Santa Cruz Sentinel'', "Prop. 32: Unfair, and flawed Measure would ban using payroll deductions for political purposes", September 22, 2012]</ref>

* The '''''Santa Cruz Sentinel:''''' "And while we've editorialized against the influence of unions on lawmakers in this state, and for how their bankrolling liberal Democrats has kept meaningful pension, education, government efficiency and budget reforms stalled, in this case, we reluctantly agree this measure has too many flaws, and urge voters to reject Prop. 32."<ref>[http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/ci_21609421/prop-32-unfair-and-flawed-measure-would-ban ''Santa Cruz Sentinel'', "Prop. 32: Unfair, and flawed Measure would ban using payroll deductions for political purposes", September 22, 2012]</ref>

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* They submitted approximately 900,000 signatures to county election officials on October 7.<ref name=sac>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/10/backers-of-paycheck-protection-measure-submit-signatures.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Backers of 'paycheck protection' measure submit signatures", October 7, 2011]</ref>

* They submitted approximately 900,000 signatures to county election officials on October 7.<ref name=sac>[http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/10/backers-of-paycheck-protection-measure-submit-signatures.html ''Sacramento Bee'', "Backers of 'paycheck protection' measure submit signatures", October 7, 2011]</ref>

* On December 6, 2011, the [[California Secretary of State]] announced that the proposition was certified for the ballot.

* On December 6, 2011, the [[California Secretary of State]] announced that the proposition was certified for the ballot.

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'''Cost of signature collection:'''

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The cost of collecting the signatures to qualify Proposition 32 for the ballot came to '''$1,170,886.'''

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Money was spent on signature-collection through two different campaign committees ("Californians Against Special Interests" and the "Citizen Power Campaign").

Supporters and opponents of Proposition 32 filed lawsuits seeking to alter the official ballot text that will appear in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]]. The official voter guide comes in an online version and is also mailed to every registered voter in the state.<ref name=titlelaw>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/08/judge-orders-changes-prop-32-language.html ''Los Angeles Times'', "Judge orders changes to Prop. 32 language", August 13, 2012]</ref>

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Supporters and opponents of Proposition 32 filed lawsuits seeking to alter the official ballot text that appeared in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|state's official voter guide]]. The official voter guide comes in an online version and is also mailed to every registered voter in the state every election year.<ref name=titlelaw>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/08/judge-orders-changes-prop-32-language.html ''Los Angeles Times'', "Judge orders changes to Prop. 32 language", August 13, 2012]</ref>

The court ruled partly in favor and partly against the lawsuit filed by Proposition 32 supporters. The court altogether denied the request of Proposition 32's opponents.<ref name=titlelaw/>

The court ruled partly in favor and partly against the lawsuit filed by Proposition 32 supporters. The court altogether denied the request of Proposition 32's opponents.<ref name=titlelaw/>

''Ashlee Titus v. Debra Bowen'' is the lawsuit filed by Proposition 32 <u>supporters.</u> They asked the court to do two things; the court agreed with them on one request.<ref name=titus>[http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/vig-public-display/110612-general-election/court-orders/prop32-titus-judgment.pdf ''Superior Court of the State of California County of Sacramento'', "Ashlee Titus v. Debra Bowen"]</ref>

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''Ashlee Titus v. Debra Bowen'' is the lawsuit filed by Proposition 32 <u>supporters.</u> They asked the court to do two things; the court agreed with them on one request.<ref name=titus/>

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* First, Titus asked that the court change the state's official [[ballot summary (California)|summary/label]]. The court agreed with this request.

* First, Titus asked that the court change the state's official [[ballot summary (California)|summary/label]]. The court agreed with this request.

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"Yes on 32" supporters made an additional request of the court. This second request was denied. This was a request to have the phrase "Other political expenditures remain unrestricted, including corporate expenditures from available resources not limited by payroll deduction prohibition" removed from the state's official materials.

"Yes on 32" supporters made an additional request of the court. This second request was denied. This was a request to have the phrase "Other political expenditures remain unrestricted, including corporate expenditures from available resources not limited by payroll deduction prohibition" removed from the state's official materials.

''Lou Paulson v. Debra Bowen'' is the lawsuit filed by the "No on 32" campaign. Their request to the court was denied.<ref name=paulson>[http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/vig-public-display/110612-general-election/court-orders/prop32-paulson-judgement.pdf ''Superior Court of the State of California County of Sacramento'', "Lou Paulson v. Debra Bowen"]</ref>

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''Lou Paulson v. Debra Bowen'' is the lawsuit filed by the "No on 32" campaign. Their request to the court was denied.<ref name=paulson/>

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The "No on 32" campaign's lawsuit challenged ballot language they believed might mislead voters about whether payroll deductions could still occur if a worker provided the state with written permission when in fact, under the provisions of Proposition 32, the state cannot engage in the practice of payroll deductions regardless of whether or not a worker gives permission.<ref name=titlelaw/>

The "No on 32" campaign's lawsuit challenged ballot language they believed might mislead voters about whether payroll deductions could still occur if a worker provided the state with written permission when in fact, under the provisions of Proposition 32, the state cannot engage in the practice of payroll deductions regardless of whether or not a worker gives permission.<ref name=titlelaw/>

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}}</onlyinclude>

==External links==

==External links==

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* [http://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2012/general/pdf/32-arg-rebuttals.pdf Arguments for and against Proposition 32] in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|official state voter guide]]

* [http://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2012/general/pdf/32-arg-rebuttals.pdf Arguments for and against Proposition 32] in the [[California Voter Guide (official)|official state voter guide]]

* [http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i941_initiative_11-0010.pdf Letter requesting a ballot title for Initiative 11-0010]

* [http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i941_initiative_11-0010.pdf Letter requesting a ballot title for Initiative 11-0010]

Impact

Jerry Brown signed SB 202 on October 7, 2011. SB 202 mandates that elections on ballot propositions can take place only in the state's November general elections. This changed a 50-year tradition in the state, begun in 1960, of voting on ballot propositions on the June primary ballot as well as the November general election ballot.[3]

Several pundits speculated that Brown and the Democratic members of the California State Legislature who sponsored SB 202 were moved to action by Propositon 32. If SB 202 had not been approved, the election on Proposition 32 would have taken place on the June 5, 2012 ballot.

According to Bill Whalen, "...before Brown’s intervention, one such conservative idea – a big one – was headed for a showdown in June 2012: weakening Big Labor’s clout by preventing unions from collecting dues for political purposes without a worker’s annual consent. [Under SB 202], that gets moved to November."[4]

Dan Walters, a leading political journalist in the state, said, "Everyone knows that passing SB 202 was to diminish chances that voters would pass a so-called "paycheck protection" measure that would eat into unions' ability to gather campaign funds from public employees – money that almost always goes to Democrats."[5]

Thad Kousser, a political-science professor at UC San Diego, said that Proposition 32 could have had a strong impact on the public sector (government employee) unions in the state: "Defeating this has got to be the top goal of labor. If they don't, they could become almost extinct in California politics."[6]

Text of measure

Title

Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction. Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute.

Note: The original title given to Proposition 32 by election officials during the petition circulation stage was, "Prohibits Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction. Prohibitions on Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute."

Label

Proposition 32's ballot label has gone through three versions. The third and final version was given to it by a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge on August 13, 2012.[7]

The final label is:

"Prohibits unions from using payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use prohibition to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Prohibits union and corporate contributions to candidates and their committees. Prohibits government contractor contributions to elected officers or their committees."

The second version, given to Proposition 32 after it qualified for the ballot, said:

"Restricts union political fundraising by prohibiting use of payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use restrictions to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Prohibits union and corporate contributions to candidates and their committees. Prohibits government contractor contributions to elected officers or their committees."

The original version given to Proposition 32 by election officials during the petition circulation stage was:

"Restricts union political fundraising by prohibiting use of payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Same use restriction would apply to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Permits voluntary employee contributions to employer or union committees if authorized yearly, in writing. Prohibits unions and corporations from contributing directly or indirectly to candidates and candidate-controlled committees. Other political expenditures remain unrestricted, including corporate expenditures from available resources not limited by payroll deduction prohibition. Limits government contractor contributions to elected officers or officer-controlled committees."

Increased costs to state and local government—potentially exceeding $1 million annually—to implement and enforce the measure’s requirements.

The estimated fiscal impact in the voter guide differs from the fiscal statement that was originally provided by election officials to Proposition 32 when it was in the petition circulation stage. That fiscal statement said, "Increased state implementation and enforcement costs of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, potentially offset in part by revenues from fines."

Support

The "Yes on Proposition 32" campaign website logo

Supporters

The main campaign supporting the measure was YES on 32, Stop Special Interest Money Now!

Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz. He said, "This initiative gets to the heart of one of the most corrosive elements in politics: campaign contributions...For too long, special interest money has dominated our politics, muting the voice of average Californians."[8]

Arguments in favor

"Politicians take millions in campaign contributions from corporations and government unions and then vote the way those special interests tell them. Politicians end up working for special interests, not voters. The result: massive budget deficits and abuses like lavish pensions and bad teachers we can’t fire."

"Special interests have spent tens of millions of dollars to prevent Prop. 32 from cutting the money tie between them and politicians. They’ll say anything to protect the status quo. They’ve invented a false, bogus, red-herring argument: They claim Prop. 32 has a loophole to benefit the wealthy and corporations to fund independent PACs. The fact is both unions and corporations fund independent political committees protected by the Constitution that cannot be banned."

"Politicians hold big-ticket, lavish fundraisers at country clubs, wine tastings and cigar smokers. Fat-cat lobbyists attend these fundraisers and hand over tens of millions of dollars in campaign contributions. Most happen when hundreds of bills are up for votes, allowing politicians and special interests to trade favors: Giving multi-million dollar tax loopholes to big developers, wealthy movie producers and out-of-state corporations; exempting contributors from the state’s environmental rules; handing out sweetheart pension deals for government workers; protecting funding for wasteful programs like the high-speed train to nowhere, even as they are cutting funds for schools and law enforcement while proposing higher taxes."

"Stops special interests from taking political deductions from employee paychecks to guarantee every dollar given for politics is strictly voluntary. Prop. 32 will ensure that California workers have the right to decide how to spend the money they earn. They shouldn’t be coerced to contribute to politicians or causes they disagree with."

"Today, it is legal for politicians to give contracts to political donors, shutting out small businesses in the process. Prop. 32 will end this special treatment and the waste it causes, like a $95 million state computer system that didn’t work."

Other arguments in favor of Proposition 32 included:

According to Jake Suski, a spokesperson for the "yes" campaign, "This initiative is exclusively about the stranglehold that special interests have had over California's political system and whether voters are ready to demand reform. Voters are demanding reform and change. They're willing to do something, to say no to special interests."[9]

The editorial board of the Wall Street Journal writes, "If California voters hope to stand a chance of reining in such benefits and fixing their dysfunctional state, they'll have to break the government union political monopoly this November."[11]

Margaret A. Bengs, a former spokeswoman for state agencies, says, "It is well known that big public employee unions and other special interests have an inordinate control over California government, control that stymies badly needed reforms."[12]

The donors listed in the chart below are the $100,000 and over donors to the "Yes on 32" campaign as of Saturday, November 3, 2012. Note that some of these donors gave their money to a committee that was simultaneously supporting or opposing more than one of the ballot propositions on the November 6, 2012, ballot. When that is the case, it is not generally possible to break down how much of that donor's money specifically was spent on the campaign for a particular proposition. Those contributions are listed below with shading; readers should not assume that all or even most of a donation to a multi-purpose committee was used for expenditures related to this particular proposition.

Arguments against

"Proposition 32 is not what it seems. Prop. 32 promises 'political reform' but is really designed by special interests to help themselves and harm their opponents."

"Business Super PACs and independent expenditure committees are exempt from Prop. 32’s controls. These organizations work to elect or defeat candidates and ballot measures but aren’t subject to the same contribution restrictions and transparency requirements for campaigns themselves. A recent Supreme Court decision allows these groups to spend unlimited amounts of money. Prop. 32 does nothing to deal with that. If Prop. 32 passes, Super PACs, including committees backed by corporate special interests, will become the major way campaigns are funded. These groups have already spent more than $95,000,000 in California elections since 2004. Our televisions will be flooded with even more negative advertisements."

"Real campaign reform treats everyone equally, with no special exemptions for anyone. Proposition 32 was intentionally written to exempt thousands of big businesses like Wall Street investment firms, hedge funds, developers, and insurance companies. Over 1000 of the companies exempted by this measure are listed as Major Donors by the California Secretary of State. They have contributed more than $10,000,000 to political campaigns, just since 2009."

"This measure says it prohibits unions from using payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. It says it also applies to corporations, so it sounds balanced. But 99% of California corporations don’t use payroll deductions for political giving; they would still be allowed to use their profits to influence elections."

"Some say 'this is unbalanced but it’s a step forward.' Here’s the problem with that. Restricting unions and their workers while not stopping corporate special interests will result in a political system that favors corporate special interests over everyone else."

Other arguments against Proposition 32 included:

Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, said, "It's not enough for them to have taken our houses and it's not enough for them to make millions off the TARP funding and federal government support for the banks, now they want even more. They want us to not even have a voice in politics whatsoever."[1]

Columnist Thomas Elias said, the "initiative's ban on contributions to candidate-controlled committees is meaningless, merely a cover for another blatant attempt to reduce funds for liberal candidates while letting contributions to conservatives continue unfettered."[19]

Ron Lind, the president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, said, "The measure is a wolf in sheep's clothing designed to fool voters into approving a corporate power grab that will lead to even more corporate influence over our political system. What the backers won't say publicly is that they've written a giant loophole to allow for unlimited corporate spending on campaigns while furthering their real agenda of silencing the voices of middle-class workers and their unions."[20]

State representative Linda Sanchez said, "This paycheck deception is the No. 1 target to silence the voices of hard-working families, and it's a crime."[21]

State representative Judy Chu said, "This is the most dangerous proposition of all time. It will silence the union members and their voices."[21]

Trudy Schafer of the California League of Women Voters said, "It promises political reform but it's really designed by its special interest backers to help themselves and harm their opponents."[17]

Donors

Total campaign cashas of November 3, 2012

Support:

$60,500,000

Opposition:

$73,300,000

It was predicted early on that the state's public sector (government employee) unions would provide up to $28 million to the campaign to defeat Proposition 32. By late September, however, the level of giving to the "no" campaign soared past that early estimate.[6][13],[14] The Sacramento Bee reported, "Now, on the heels of an election that saw unions handed a major defeat last week in Wisconsin, the opposing camps in California soon will launch a campaign battle likely to consume $50 million or more in political spending."[9]

This is a list of the $100,000 and over donors to the "no" campaign as of Saturday, November 3, 2012:[22]

"Yes on 32"

The Appeal-Democrat: "Proposition 32 on the Nov. 6 ballot would reduce the unions' indirectly tax-fueled influence by prohibiting union contributions to state and local candidates."[24]

The Bakersfield Californian: "Prop. 32 won't fix everything in Sacramento. But the measure does ensure that unions, one of the most powerful groups in the Capitol, are deriving their funds in a fair way from informed members."[25]

The Los Angeles Daily News: "Unions will still have the power of numbers. Their members will continue to be able to mobilize in support of candidates and political stands, and to donate money on their own, but it would be their decision."[27]

The North County Times: "Proposition 32 corrects that imbalance while doing nothing to stifle unions' political voices -- despite claims to the contrary. Prop. 32 simply institutes an opt-in system for each employee's political donations."[28]

The Orange County Register: "Anyone familiar with California politics knows that the most powerful forces, by far, in the state Capitol are the public-employee unions. Their clout was demonstrated this year when the California Teachers Association, the most powerful of them all, killed Senate Bill 1530, which would have made it easier to fire bad teachers for actions 'that involve certain sex offenses, controlled-substance offenses or child abuse offenses.' SB1530 was not concocted by a conservative Republican, but by state Sen. Alex Padilla of Los Angeles, a liberal Democrat. The bill advanced after several cases of teacher abuse against children came to light, especially a disgusting scenario allegedly involving Los Angeles Unified School District teacher Mark Berndt. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the state Senate, 33-4. Then the CTA killed it in the Assembly Education Committee."[29]

The Press-Enterprise: "The meat of Prop. 32 is a ban on the use of payroll deductions to finance political spending. That provision targets one of the largest special interests in California politics: public employee unions. Automatic deductions from paychecks are the primary way unions fund political campaigns — and ending that financing mechanism would ease unions’ stranglehold on political decisions."[30]

The Redding Record Searchlight: "Nothing in Proposition 32 would stop unions from holding fundraisers, from asking members to write a check to support a good cause or candidate — from raising money just like any other political advocate. It would, however, slow the river of money that has drowned independent thinkers in Sacramento."[31]

The San Bernardino Sun: "The complaint that Proposition 32 is unfair because it will affect unions more than corporations falls flat. It's less common than one might think that unions and corporations act as counterweights on political issues. It's more like they are the upper and lower jaws of the monster that ate good government."[32]

The San Diego Union-Tribune: "Of all the measures on the California ballot this fall, the most important is Proposition 32. It has the potential to change the balance of power in state and local governments in a hugely constructive way. How? By limiting the power of California’s unions, the 21st-century version of the railroad companies that were so perniciously powerful a century ago that Gov. Hiram Johnson established direct democracy so voters could overrule a state Capitol in thrall to one interest group."[33]

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune: "To understand the need for Proposition 32, all a voter has to do is look at the the vast sums of cash pouring into the campaign against it. A total of more than $50 million has been donated to the 'yes' and 'no' campaigns. Of that, the vast majority has gone to fund advertising for the 'no' side. And of that, most has come from unions representing California teachers and other public employees."[34]

"No on 32"

The Bay Area Reporter: "This is an anti-labor measure concocted by southern California conservatives under the guise of campaign finance reform."[35]

The Contra Costa Times: "If Proposition 32 did what supporters claim -- limit all special-interest money from corrupting the political system -- we would race to endorse it. It doesn't. It actually tilts the political playing field in favor of the wealthy and corporations."[36]

The Daily Democrat (Woodland, California): "This initiative is a power play to limit campaign influence of labor unions without commensurate checks on political contributions by corporations."[37]

The Fresno Bee: "Our recommendation to reject Prop. 32 is not a vote of confidence for public employee unions. We have regularly criticized their heavy-handed tactics. They have overreached too often and have too much clout with too many Democrats. Lawmakers should take action to make it easier for employees who disagree with union politics to opt out of making campaign donations."[38]

The Lompoc Record: "In that sense, Prop. 32 is little more than another layer of regulation, riddled with loopholes, and would end up costing taxpayers a significant sum that the state would have to spend to enforce the new election provisions."[39]

The Los Angeles Times: "Proposition 32 is a deceptive measure that would disproportionately weaken some special interests while leaving others essentially unaffected. Those who have seen its list of backers will not be surprised to learn that it would have a devastating effect on labor unions' political fundraising efforts and only a trivial impact on corporate spending."[40]

The Marin Independent Journal: "While unions rely on payroll deductions to build their campaign war chests, corporations don't. Proposition 32 tilts the playing field for corporations, who have proven they have little trouble raising and spending money on politics."[41]

The Merced Sun-Star: "Proposition 32 would ban unions and corporations from using automatic paycheck deductions to raise money for political purposes. That might sound reasonable, except that it's loaded. Unions rely on payroll deductions, corporations do not."[42]

The Sacramento Bee: "Our recommendation to reject Proposition 32 is not a vote of confidence for public employee unions. They have overreached too often and have too much clout with too many Democrats. Lawmakers should take action to make it easier for employees who disagree with union politics to opt out of making campaign donations. But Proposition 32 would tilt the system in favor of corporations and business trade groups."[44]

The San Francisco Bay Guardian: "This is by far the most dangerous and deceptive measure on the ballot, one that threatens to cripple the ability of labor unions to engage meaningfully in the political process."[45]

The San Francisco Chronicle: "Proposition 32 purports to be an even-handed attempt to reduce the influence of special interests in California. It is anything but balanced ... Organized labor has made defeat of Prop. 32 its highest priority in California because of what is unquestionably its most consequential element: A prohibition on the use of payroll deductions for political purposes."[46]

The Santa Cruz Sentinel: "And while we've editorialized against the influence of unions on lawmakers in this state, and for how their bankrolling liberal Democrats has kept meaningful pension, education, government efficiency and budget reforms stalled, in this case, we reluctantly agree this measure has too many flaws, and urge voters to reject Prop. 32."[48]

The Ventura County Star: "This measure claims to be aimed at cleaning up politics by clamping new restrictions on contributions. In reality, it amounts to a cynical ploy because it ignores some of the biggest problems of money in politics while putting handcuffs only on the political opponents of some of the measure's biggest backers."[49]

Lawsuits

Supporters and opponents of Proposition 32 filed lawsuits seeking to alter the official ballot text that appeared in the state's official voter guide. The official voter guide comes in an online version and is also mailed to every registered voter in the state every election year.[52]

The court ruled partly in favor and partly against the lawsuit filed by Proposition 32 supporters. The court altogether denied the request of Proposition 32's opponents.[52]

Ashlee Titus v. Debra Bowen

Ashlee Titus v. Debra Bowen is the lawsuit filed by Proposition 32 supporters. They asked the court to do two things; the court agreed with them on one request.[7]

First, Titus asked that the court change the state's official summary/label. The court agreed with this request.

The old ballot summary said:

"Restricts union political fundraising by prohibiting use of payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use restrictions to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. Prohibits union and corporate contributions to candidates and their committees. Prohibits government contractor contributions to elected officers or their committees."

"RestrictsProhibits unions from using payroll-deducted funds for political purposes. Applies same use restrictionsprohibition to payroll deductions, if any, by corporations or government contractors. RestrictsProhibits union and corporate contributions to candidates and their committees. LimitsProhibits government contractor contributions to elected officers or their committees.

The key change was to the consistent use of "prohibits", rather than "restricts". In their lawsuit, according to "Yes on 32" campaign spokesperson Jake Suski, the use of the word "restrict", which was the word chosen by the Attorney General of California, was misleading. Suski said, "Voters deserve to be informed that Prop. 32 doesn't just reduce direct contributions from corporations and unions to politicians, it eliminates them entirely."[52] After the lower court's ruling came out, Kamala Harris, the Attorney General of California, went to a higher level court and filed a petition asking for immediate review of the lower court's decision. This request was denied.[53]

"Yes on 32" supporters made an additional request of the court. This second request was denied. This was a request to have the phrase "Other political expenditures remain unrestricted, including corporate expenditures from available resources not limited by payroll deduction prohibition" removed from the state's official materials.

Lou Paulson v. Debra Bowen

Lou Paulson v. Debra Bowen is the lawsuit filed by the "No on 32" campaign. Their request to the court was denied.[54]

The "No on 32" campaign's lawsuit challenged ballot language they believed might mislead voters about whether payroll deductions could still occur if a worker provided the state with written permission when in fact, under the provisions of Proposition 32, the state cannot engage in the practice of payroll deductions regardless of whether or not a worker gives permission.[52]

Proposition 32 on California Choices (sponsored by Next 10, IGS at UC Berkeley, the UC San Diego Political Science Department, the Bill Lane Center for the American West at Stanford, and the Center for CA Studies at Sac State)